LUCKY US: Sometimes, it’s hard to see the forest for the trees.
Or, in this case, to see Bradford as seen by “outsiders.”
Consider this recent email from Margaret Cass: “I just want to
say how friendly the folks in Bradford are compared to other places
where I have visited and have lived.”
“Years ago I lived in a big city and you didn’t even know your
neighbor. If you seen a crime being committed you just kept out of
it for fear of being targeted by someone.
“But in Bradford, things are different. Nice town, nice people
and most of all, not too much crime. We have our share of small
crimes but not too many killings. Thank God for that.
“I just want to say how lucky we Bradfordians really are. I do
agree that we need more good jobs in our area, but considering
everything else we have, it’s pretty darn good here. If anyone out
of our area is considering a move why not make it Bradford. You’ll
be glad you did. Life is more relaxed here. Life is good here.”
COOL MEMORIES: Tony Pascale writes, “The only ice house I can
ever remember is the one on Cherry Street. I grew up in the 5th
ward and cannot remember one on Elm Street although it may have
been gone by then.”
“But I can recall visiting the Cherry Street house during a
school outing when I was going to St. Bernard’s.
“I also have ‘cool’ memories of jumping onto the back of the ice
delivery truck when it stopped to make a delivery and grabbing a
small chuck of ice to help cool us down or quench our thirst during
a hot summer’s day.”
’42 FLOOD: That horrendous downpour of 1942 must have caused
devastating damage throughout this region.
A note today from Tom Aiello of Kane, “In reading the RTS column
for the last few days regarding the ’42 flood … I remember as a
small child my father going out to help remove residents of the
flats in Johnsonburg. There was, by today’s standards, millions of
dollars damage in Johnsonburg and Ridgway.”
“I also have a small photo book that was produced after the
flood that makes for some interesting stories. According to all the
records it was listed as a ‘cloudburst’ over the Smethport area
which caused all the flooding.”
